Raising Tiny Humans Gently: Why Sustainable Choices Matter from Day One

Retykle’s UAE Director, Armelle Liverton, had the pleasure of attending the annual Gulf News Mommy & Me event last week. A warm and vibrant gathering that brought together over 50 mums and their little ones. The event was designed to foster connection, introduce families to exciting new brands, and create a sense of shared community among parents.

As part of the morning’s activities, Armelle gave a short talk on why taking small, eco-conscious steps from day one can make a lasting impact, not just on our families, but on the planet our children will inherit.

How to Embrace Sustainability from Your Baby’s First Days

By Armelle Liverton, Director of Retykle UAE

Having a baby is one of life’s most profound experiences, full of joy, wonder, and transformation. But what many new parents don’t realize is just how quickly our tiny humans grow and how that growth can have an outsized impact on the planet.

Children will speed through seven sizes of clothes in their first two years, and the cycle doesn’t stop there. The average child outgrows over 1,500 articles of clothing before they’re fully grown. Add in all the gear, strollers, cribs, high chairs, toys, and it’s easy to see how a mountain of waste accumulates.

Globally, over 100 billion new garments are produced every year. Of the clothes that are discarded, 57% end up in landfill.

The reality is, while having a baby may change your world,  it can change the world too. The good news? It’s possible to raise children gently, both emotionally and environmentally. Here are five small eco-steps any family can start from day one:

1. Shop More Mindfully

It’s tempting, especially with your first child, to buy everything. But babies actually need very little in their first months. Before you purchase, pause and ask:

• Do I really need this?
• Can I borrow it?
• Could I rent it or buy it secondhand?

Choosing preloved items from platforms like Retykle not only saves you money, but also keeps great products in circulation and out of landfill. Shop weekly new arrivals here.

2. Choose Quality & Ethical Brands

When you do need to buy new, invest in quality over quantity. Choose well-made items that can withstand the wear and tear of babyhood (and maybe even a second round with another child or family).

Support ethical, local brands that are transparent about their materials and manufacturing practices. Every dollar spent is a vote for the kind of world you want your child to grow up in. Explore our full list of 2,500 kidswear designer brands here.

3. Check Materials

What’s gentle on your baby is often gentle on the planet, too.

• Look for organic cotton or bamboo clothing.
• Swap plastic toys for wooden or natural fiber alternatives, not just for sustainability’s sake, but to avoid microplastics ending up in your baby’s mouth.
• Consider eco-friendly nappies or even reusable cloth nappies. It might sound daunting, but countless parenting communities exist to offer guidance and support.

4. Model the Behavior You Want to See

Children are always watching. From the moment they’re born, they’re absorbing how we interact with the world.

Show them what mindful living looks like:

• Turn off lights and AC when leaving a room. 
  
• Don’t let the tap run while brushing your teeth.
• Separate your recyclables.
• Refuse single-use plastic – take your own reusable water bottles and cutlery with you.
• Bring reusable shopping bags.

These small habits add up and your children will grow up seeing sustainability as second nature. In our annual customer survey conducted in both Hong Kong & Singapore, over 80% of families said Retykle inspired more sustainable & greener choices.

At Retykle, we see this ripple effect firsthand. Parents who start by buying pre-loved kids' clothes often expand into other sustainable habits—opting for reusable packaging, conserving energy, or even composting.

5. Get Outside

We’re incredibly lucky in the UAE to have nature at our doorstep, from the beach to the desert, wadis to mangroves. Exposing children to the outdoors nurtures curiosity, connection, and care.

When kids spend time in nature, they’re more likely to grow into adults who protect it. So get out there,  even if it’s just a walk in the park before the heat sets in.

Sustainability Is a Journey, Not a Destination.

Raising children sustainably doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. It means taking small, intentional steps,  one choice at a time. Each step you take as a family adds up to real progress.

Together, we can raise a generation of kind, conscious, and eco-minded little humans — and leave them a planet worth inheriting.